Tripomatic

Kagoshima Prefecture

Region · Kyushu, 🇯🇵 Japan
Population 1,586,435
Area 9,189 km²
Time zone Asia/Tokyo
Official website www.pref.kagoshima.jp
Kagoshima Prefecture

Kagoshima Prefecture – Planning a Trip?

Build your day-by-day itinerary in the Tripomatic app.

Start Planning
Download on the App Store Get it on Google Play

Featured Lists

Σ64 / CC BY 3.0

Kagoshima Prefecture Essentials

Kagoshima Prefecture features a diverse array of cultural and natural sites across its volcanic mainland and subtropical islands. The region is home to the UNESCO-listed Jōmon Sugi cedar on Yakushima and the Tanegashima Space Center, Japan’s largest rocket-launch complex. Historical sites include the Sengan-en garden and Shoko Shuseikan, reflecting the Shimazu clan’s industrial legacy. Visitors can explore the active volcanic peaks of Kirishima, visit the southernmost point of Kyushu at Cape Sata, or experience geothermal sand baths in Ibusuki.

10 places
NMaia / CC BY-SA 4.0

Kagoshima's Top Cultural Sights

Explore Kagoshima’s diverse heritage through its specialized museums and historical sites. This collection spans from the prehistoric Jomon period at Uenohara to the feudal era at the Shimazu clan’s Sengan-en garden and the Izumi Fumoto samurai district. Modern scientific achievements are showcased at the Tanegashima Space Center, while the region’s natural biodiversity is highlighted through the Yakushima Sea Turtle Museum and Izumi’s migratory crane center. Fine art is represented by Tanaka Isson’s Amami-inspired paintings and Saigo Takamori’s legacy on Okinoerabu Island.

9 places
Ippukucho / CC BY 3.0

Hidden Gems of Southern Kyushu

Southern Kyushu’s landscape is defined by the volcanic geography of the Satsuma and Osumi Peninsulas and the ancient forests of Yakushima. This collection features the 7,000-year-old Jōmon Sugi cedar and the ruins of Kagoshima’s Edo-period Tsurumaru Castle. Coastal highlights include Cape Sata, mainland Kyushu's southernmost point, and the granite-carved Senpiro-no-taki Waterfall. The list also includes the 1,200-year-old Tsukazaki camphor tree, which grows atop an ancient burial mound, and the unique geological potholes of Sekino-o Falls.

10 places
Snap55 / Cc-by-3.0

Best Museums in Kagoshima

Kagoshima's museums cover diverse subjects from the feudal history of the Shimazu clan to modern aerospace exploration. Highlights include the Sengan-en estate, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and the Kirishima Open-Air Museum featuring works by Yayoi Kusama. Natural history is represented through specialized centers dedicated to Yakushima’s sea turtles and the migratory cranes of Izumi. These institutions provide insight into the region's volcanic geography, its role in the Meiji Restoration, and contemporary Japanese sculpture.

10 places
Motamota / CC BY-SA 4.0

Volcanic Peaks & Scenic Parks

This collection highlights the dramatic geological activity and diverse landscapes of Kagoshima and Yakushima. It features the perennially active Sakurajima and the volcanic clusters of Mount Kirishima, including the mythological site of Mount Takachihonomine. The list also covers Mount Miyanoura, the highest peak in Kyushu, located within Yakushima's ancient cedar forests, alongside urban green spaces like Kinkouwan Park and the historic ruins of Ichiuji Castle.

8 places
663highland / CC BY 2.5

Spiritual Sites of Kagoshima

Kagoshima’s spiritual landscape is deeply intertwined with the legacy of the Shimazu clan and the region's samurai history. This collection features Kirishima-Jingū, a major shrine linked to Japan's creation myths, alongside sites like Nanshu Shrine, which honors Meiji Restoration figure Saigo Takamori. From the ancient Yabusame archery traditions at Shijukusho Shrine to the moral teachings preserved at Takeda Shrine, these landmarks provide a concrete look into the religious customs and historical turning points of southern Kyushu.

6 places

Onsen and Traditional Baths

Kagoshima Prefecture offers a range of geothermal experiences, from the world-famous steam sand baths of Ibusuki to the tidal springs of Yakushima. This selection includes Hirauchi Kaichu Onsen, which is only accessible during low tide, and the rustic Nemachi Onsen on the volcanic island of Kuchinoerabu-jima. These sites feature diverse mineral compositions and unique settings, including seaside pools and modern facilities like the Onsen Dome.

6 places

Kagoshima Prefecture — Map

Kagoshima Prefecture — Map

Climate & when to visit

Select a month

Typical weather in January

Fair
  • 13° (feels like 8°) · extremes 2°–18°
  • 6° at night
  • 9 rainy days
  • 7 sunny days
  • 4 hours of sunshine per day
  • Dry air
  • Light breeze
  • 20°C · cool for a dip
  • UV index 3 · moderate

Typical weather in February

Fair
  • 14° (feels like 9°) · extremes 2°–20°
  • 7° at night
  • 11 rainy days
  • 7 sunny days
  • 5 hours of sunshine per day
  • Dry air
  • Light breeze
  • 20°C · cool for a dip
  • UV index 4 · moderate

Typical weather in March

Fair
  • 17° (feels like 13°) · extremes 4°–22°
  • 10° at night
  • 13 rainy days
  • 11 sunny days
  • 6 hours of sunshine per day
  • Dry air
  • Light breeze
  • 20°C · cool for a dip
  • UV index 5 · moderate

Typical weather in April

Great
  • 21° (feels like 18°) · extremes 9°–24°
  • 14° at night
  • 12 rainy days
  • 11 sunny days
  • 6 hours of sunshine per day
  • Dry air
  • Light breeze
  • 21°C · cool for a dip
  • UV index 6 · high

Typical weather in May

Good
  • 24° · extremes 14°–27°
  • 18° at night
  • 13 rainy days
  • 9 sunny days
  • 6 hours of sunshine per day
  • Humid air
  • Light breeze
  • 23°C · cool for a dip
  • UV index 7 · high

Typical weather in June

Fair
  • 27° (feels like 28°) · extremes 19°–29°
  • 22° at night
  • 20 rainy days
  • 4 sunny days
  • 4 hours of sunshine per day
  • Oppressive humidity
  • Light breeze
  • 25°C · warm for swimming
  • UV index 6 · high

Typical weather in July

Poor
  • 30° (feels like 33°) · extremes 23°–32°
  • 26° at night
  • 19 rainy days
  • 9 sunny days
  • 7 hours of sunshine per day
  • Oppressive humidity
  • Light breeze
  • 28°C · warm for swimming
  • UV index 8 · very high

Typical weather in August

Poor
  • 31° (feels like 34°) · extremes 25°–33°
  • 26° at night
  • 20 rainy days
  • 11 sunny days
  • 7 hours of sunshine per day
  • Oppressive humidity
  • Light breeze
  • 29°C · warm for swimming
  • UV index 8 · very high

Typical weather in September

Fair
  • 29° (feels like 31°) · extremes 20°–31°
  • 24° at night
  • 18 rainy days
  • 10 sunny days
  • 6 hours of sunshine per day
  • Oppressive humidity
  • Light breeze
  • 28°C · warm for swimming
  • UV index 7 · high

Typical weather in October

Great
  • 25° (feels like 24°) · extremes 14°–29°
  • 19° at night
  • 12 rainy days
  • 13 sunny days
  • 6 hours of sunshine per day
  • Humid air
  • Light breeze
  • 26°C · warm for swimming
  • UV index 5 · moderate

Typical weather in November

Great
  • 20° (feels like 18°) · extremes 8°–25°
  • 14° at night
  • 11 rainy days
  • 10 sunny days
  • 5 hours of sunshine per day
  • Dry air
  • Light breeze
  • 24°C · warm for swimming
  • UV index 4 · moderate

Typical weather in December

Fair
  • 15° (feels like 10°) · extremes 4°–20°
  • 8° at night
  • 9 rainy days
  • 6 sunny days
  • 4 hours of sunshine per day
  • Dry air
  • Light breeze
  • 22°C · cool for a dip
  • UV index 3 · moderate

Climate data: NASA POWER (MERRA-2); NASA POWER + Copernicus ERA5-Land and ERA5 · 1996–2025

Practical information

Currency
Japanese Yen JPY ¥ · Card payments · Commonly accepted
Emergency numbers
118
Electricity
Type A / Type B
100 V · 60 Hz
Languages
Japanese
Tap water
Safe to drink
Driving side
Left
Calling code
+81
Learn more

Tours & Activities

Riverside Hotel
Taxi · 8 min
Kagoshima Prefecture
2h
Walk · 6 min
Corner Café
45 min
Walk · 18 min
Riverside Hotel

Kagoshima Prefecture – Add to Your Trip

Create a detailed travel itinerary with smart routing, time estimates, and everything you need for a perfect trip.

Start Planning
Download on the App Store Get it on Google Play
3M+ downloads · 4.6 stars · 15 years of trip planning
QR code
Scan to download the app

Related destinations

Kyushu Kagoshima Yakushima

Other Destinations

Fukuoka Prefecture Kumamoto Prefecture Fukuoka Nagasaki Prefecture Oita Prefecture Miyazaki Prefecture Saga Prefecture Kumamoto Nagasaki